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How to create work instructions using Video Magic Maker (VMM)

Written by Alex Merkin

What this is

Video Magic Maker (VMM) lets you turn a short video into a structured, step-by-step work instruction using AI.
It dramatically reduces the time needed to create SOPs by analyzing what happens in the video and generating editable steps, images, and descriptions.

This guide is for Editors, Engineers, and Technical Writers who create procedures for operators in Next Plus.


How to do it

1️⃣ Upload a video

You can upload a video in two ways:

  • From your computer (recommended for longer or higher-quality videos)

  • From your phone using a QR code (ideal for quick shopfloor recordings)

💡 Tip: Keep videos focused on a single procedure. Shorter videos produce cleaner steps.


2️⃣ Analyze the video with AI

  1. Click Analyze

  2. VMM automatically:

    • Splits the video into steps

    • Generates a title and description for each step

    • Detects actions and sequence

You don’t need to write anything at this stage.


3️⃣ Add instructions for better results (optional but recommended)

Open the ⚙️ Instructions panel to guide the AI.

Examples:

  • “Generate all steps in English”

  • “Follow AS9100 / aerospace standard wording”

  • “Use clear, operator-friendly language”

Then click Re-analyze.

💡 This acts like a reusable prompt for future videos.


4️⃣ Review and refine steps

For each step, you can:

  • Edit the step name and description

  • Play the step in loop mode to fine-tune wording

  • Focus on a single step without replaying the full video


5️⃣ Add visual annotations

You can enrich steps visually by:

  • Adding rectangles, arrows, or highlights

  • Adding text notes on specific frames

  • Selecting start/end frames for each annotation

These annotations are included in exports.


6️⃣ Capture snapshots for documentation

At any step:

  1. Pause on the right frame

  2. Click Take Snapshot

Snapshots include:

  • The video frame

  • Annotations

  • Step text

These are later used in Word or HTML exports.


7️⃣ Save your project

Use Save Project to continue later.

⚠️ Version control is currently manual:

  • Save different versions with clear names (e.g. Assembly_v1, Assembly_v2)


8️⃣ Export your work instruction

You can export in three main ways:

  • Word document (.docx)
    Best for formal SOPs and internal templates

  • HTML package
    Interactive steps + video playback (great for sharing)

  • Next Plus Workflow
    Turn steps into a live, executable digital workflow (advanced use)


Common issues / FAQs

❓ Can I replace one step with a new video?

Not yet.
Currently, one project = one video. To change a step:

  • Edit text and annotations, or

  • Re-record and re-analyze a new video


❓ Is version history automatic?

No.
Use:

  • Saved project files, or

  • Next Plus workflow versioning after import


❓ What is the maximum video size?

  • Up to ~250 MB per video (pilot phase)

  • Larger limits can be discussed after the pilot


❓ Can I export to a custom company template?

Yes, but:

  • Requires your Word template / style guide

  • May involve one-time setup effort


❓ Is VMM FDA / medical validated?

  • Next Plus workflows support regulated environments

  • VMM is a content-creation tool

  • Validation can be discussed if required


❓ What languages are supported?

You can record in any language and instruct the AI to output steps in English (or another language).


What’s coming next 🚀

A new generation tool (previewed in the session) will allow:

  • Uploading PDFs, drawings, and BOMs

  • Combining documents + video in one project

  • Generating steps from technical drawings

  • Sharing procedures via live links

  • Cloud-based projects (no manual save/load)

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